Unlocking the Power of Poetry: How to Describe a Poem You Love in IELTS Speaking

Poetry has long been a popular topic in IELTS Speaking exams, offering candidates a chance to showcase their language skills and cultural awareness. This article will guide you through answering questions about a poem or literary work you really like, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about poetry and literature. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy reading poetry?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do find poetry quite engaging. I particularly appreciate how poets can convey complex emotions and ideas in such a concise and impactful manner. While I may not read poetry every day, I often turn to it when I’m looking for inspiration or a new perspective on life.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a poem or literary work:

Describe A Poem Or Literary Work That You Really Like
You should say:

• What it is
• When you first read it
• What it is about
• And explain why you like it

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a poem that has profoundly impacted me – ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost. I first encountered this poem during my high school years, and it has resonated with me ever since.

The poem revolves around the concept of choice and its consequences. It depicts a traveler coming to a fork in a forest path, contemplating which route to take. The speaker ultimately chooses the road ‘less traveled by,’ suggesting that this decision has made a significant difference in his life.

What I find particularly compelling about this poem is its multi-layered meaning. On the surface, it’s about choosing a physical path, but on a deeper level, it’s a metaphor for life’s decisions. The poem beautifully illustrates how our choices, even seemingly small ones, can shape our entire journey.

I admire Frost’s ability to convey such profound ideas in simple, yet evocative language. The vivid imagery of the yellow wood and the paths diverging paints a clear picture in the reader’s mind. Moreover, the rhythm and rhyme scheme make it pleasing to the ear, which I believe contributes to its memorability.

What resonates most with me is the poem’s message about individuality and the courage to take the less conventional path. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping out of our comfort zone and making unconventional choices can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

In conclusion, ‘The Road Not Taken’ is a poem that I find myself returning to time and again. Its timeless message and artistic craftsmanship never fail to inspire and provoke thought, making it a piece of literature that I truly cherish.”

IELTS candidate describing favorite poem

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has this poem influenced your life decisions?
2. Do you think poetry is still relevant in today’s digital age?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“This poem has significantly influenced my approach to decision-making. It has encouraged me to be more open-minded and adventurous in my choices, reminding me that sometimes the most rewarding paths are those less frequently chosen. For instance, when I was deciding on my university major, I opted for a less conventional field that truly piqued my interest, rather than following the more popular choices among my peers. This decision, inspired by the poem’s message, has led me to a career I’m genuinely passionate about.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think poetry differs from other forms of literature?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Poetry, in my opinion, stands out from other literary forms in several ways. Firstly, it tends to be more concise and concentrated in its expression. Poets often distill complex ideas or emotions into a few carefully chosen words, creating a powerful impact that might take pages in prose.

Secondly, poetry places a greater emphasis on the sound and rhythm of language. The use of devices like rhyme, alliteration, and meter creates a musical quality that can enhance the meaning and emotional resonance of the work.

Moreover, poetry often employs more figurative language and imagery, allowing for multiple interpretations and a deeper engagement with the text. This ambiguity can make poetry more personally relevant to each reader, as they can find their own meaning within the lines.

Lastly, I believe poetry has a unique ability to capture moments or feelings that might be difficult to express in other forms. It can evoke emotions and paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind with just a few well-crafted lines, making it a particularly powerful medium for exploring the human experience.”

Comparing poetry and prose literature

Examiner: Do you think schools should place more emphasis on teaching poetry?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe there’s definitely a strong case for giving poetry more attention in schools. Poetry can be an excellent tool for developing language skills, enhancing creativity, and fostering emotional intelligence in students.

By studying poetry, students can improve their vocabulary, learn to interpret complex ideas, and develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances of language. It also encourages critical thinking as students analyze and interpret the various layers of meaning in poems.

Moreover, poetry can serve as a gateway to discussing important themes and issues in a more accessible and engaging way. It can help students express their own thoughts and feelings, which is particularly valuable during the formative years of their education.

However, I also recognize that there needs to be a balance in the curriculum. While poetry shouldn’t be neglected, it’s important to ensure that students are exposed to a wide range of literary forms and styles to develop well-rounded language skills.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adjective + noun): Having a deep and significant effect.
   Example: “The poem had a profound impact on my worldview.”

2. Resonate /ˈrezəneɪt/ (verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
   Example: “The themes in this poem resonate with my personal experiences.”

3. Evocative /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ (adjective): Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
   Example: “The poet uses evocative language to describe the landscape.”

4. Metaphor /ˈmetəfər/ (noun): A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
   Example: “The poem uses the journey as a metaphor for life choices.”

5. Contemplative /kənˈtemplətɪv/ (adjective): Involving deep thought or reflection.
   Example: “This poem has a contemplative tone, encouraging readers to reflect on their own lives.”

Key vocabulary for describing poetry in IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing poetry or literature:

1. Develop a broad vocabulary related to literature and poetry. Use terms like ‘stanza’, ‘rhythm’, ‘metaphor’, and ‘imagery’ accurately.

2. Practice analyzing poems beforehand. Be prepared to discuss themes, literary devices, and personal interpretations.

3. Use a variety of sentence structures and advanced grammar to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Show genuine enthusiasm for the topic. Examiners appreciate candidates who can speak passionately about literature.

5. Make connections between the poem and broader themes or your personal experiences to showcase critical thinking skills.

6. Be prepared for abstract questions in Part 3. Practice discussing the role of poetry in society, education, or personal development.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to express your thoughts fluently and coherently on a range of topics, including literature and poetry.

Describe a famous author from your country can be another interesting topic to prepare for, as it allows you to showcase your knowledge of literature and cultural awareness.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss poetry and literature confidently in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly.